FilmMagic/FilmMagic for Bonnaroo Arts And Music FestivalSinger-songwriter Frank Ocean has penned a powerful essay on Tumblr, voicing his opinion about the violence and hate some people direct toward the LGBTQ community.

“Many hate us and wish we didn’t exist. Many are annoyed by our wanting to be married like everyone else or or use the correct restroom like everyone else. So we say pride and we express love for who and what we are. Because who else will in earnest,” Ocean writes.

The letter from the 28-year-old R&B star comes in the wake of some states passing so-called “bathroom bills” some say discriminate against transgendered people, and the massacre a week ago of 49 people at The Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, FL.